Fuller Formation Groups for Artists

Creatively and Faithfully Integrate Theology with the Arts

Fuller Formation Groups for Artists are designed for Christians who are called to serve as musicians, visual artists, writers, filmmakers, and in other vocations related to the arts. With guidance from Fuller’s Brehm Center for Worship, Theology, and the Arts, group members deepen their spiritual formation within a small community of 8 to 15 believers—together becoming deeply formed spiritual leaders who can care for culture through the integration of theology, worship, and the arts.

Grow in awareness of God’s work in the world

and in awareness of the unique and critical role artists play in caring for culture

Cultivate the tools and means

to address critical issues facing artists and the communities in which they serve

Establish patterns of deep formation

to sustain a lifetime of faithfully integrating theology with an artistic calling

Learn within a community of peers

with coaching from seasoned mentors and practitioners in creative fields

I Would Like More Info on the Artist Formation Group

THE IMPACT OF FORMATION GROUPS

"Plenty of artists find their work to be a lonely, wearying business with little hope of recognition and reward, financial or otherwise. But it's business worth doing. And groups like these can become a place for artists to receive care, to form friendship with kindred folk, and to discover what it means to flourish in their calling."

—DAVID TAYLOR, DIRECTOR OF BREHM TEXAS AND ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY AND CULTURE

"For years, the work of artists has spoken prophetic truth, brought many to Christ, and created spaces for connecting with God and finding meaning in the mysteries we encounter. But what about artists themselves? Artists need more than just a space to create. They need space where they can be formed, where they are safe to integrate their art and their faith through community and spiritual practices."

—TAMISHA TYLER, FULLER ALUMNA, WRITER, AND GROUP MENTOR

"My group has been a surprising blessing in my life. I've been invited to write a personal lament that has helped me speak more honestly with God and opened up ground for the Spirit to move in my life. I've been encouraged to consider my call in the kingdom of God at a unique time in my life when my role was changing. I've been moved deeper into my understanding of what God is doing."

—JOEL LARSON, GROUP PARTICIPANT

FORMATION IN COMMUNITY

Members of these small formation groups dialogue with, learn from, engage, and encourage one another as leaders who seek to further Christ’s purposes in the marketplace. This mutual support helps participants to deepen their spiritual and emotional health so that they may more fruitfully engage God’s kingdom work in their businesses, organizations, homes, and communities.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Led by a seasoned mentor, every Formation Group for Artists—or “cohort”—consists of 8 to 15 members, takes place over 13 to 14 months, and includes the following:

Weekly Formation Materials

will feature short videos, readings, and exercises designed to help you grow in faith and leadership. This will take you 45 minutes to an hour per week.

Monthly Small Groups

with your cohort will meet either in person or virtually to process what you are learning from the weekly content and formation experiences

Quarterly Retreats

will each offer a three-day space when your cohort gathers to worship God, pray, engage in spiritual practices, and enjoy one another in fellowship

UPCOMING COHORTS

APPLY

Get started on your spiritual formation journey by completing the simple application form here. In addition to providing basic contact information, you might want to take some time to look over the personal questions in the application that will aid us in helping you find the group that is best for your needs.

Questions:

Tell us three things about yourself that help to describe you.

At this point in your Christian journey, how do you envision your call to God’s mission in the world?

Tell a story from your life that gave you joy or reaffirmed your sense of calling.

How do you imagine that participation in a formation group will contribute to your spiritual life, calling, or relationship to God?

COST AND SCHOLARSHIPS

+ All materials and resources, including weekly content from Fuller’s faculty and staff

+ Monthly video-facilitated small group meetings

Because of the generosity of national foundations, Fuller alumni are eligible for scholarships that cover the majority of the cost. Recipients pay a maximum of $75 per month over 12 months for a total of $900. Some preference will be given to Fuller graduates as well as to alumni who demonstrate ongoing engagement with Fuller, continued theological reflection, or ministry commitment.

DOCTOR OF MINISTRY CREDIT

Participation in a Fuller Formation Group can be applied, at a level of either 12 units or 20 units, toward the 48-unit DMin degree at Fuller. DMin candidates are given additional reading and integration writing assignments that help them apply the cohort experience personally and practically to their ministry context.

Candidates make a separate application to the DMin program and pay the associated tuition, with the cohort process counting for all “class” time. $1,400 of the cohort process is applied to the DMin tuition for 12-unit students; $2,300 is applied for 20-credit students.